Vodafone has been forced to lock it Shop doors during opening hours After a store, it was targeted by a gang of Balaklava-clad thieves.
Fearful customers say they have to wait outside The shops after the company adopted a closed door policy by the company as a part of the security measures.
The company confirmed Its branch in LowestoftSafok, where a “large amount of phone” was stolen on July 3, as well as in its store Great yarmouthNorfolk is among Shops Where the policy has been brought.
Safok police Four people – two teenage boys, a woman and a man – were arrested on 3 July in Harleston in connection with the incident. All four have been accused of robbery since then.
Vodafone said that it has seen a nine -time growth in such incidents in his Vodafone and three stores as the region has been killed by “dangerous bounce in aggressive robbery and trying robbery”.
In a statement, the company told Independent: “We have implemented a variety of safety measures in some shops, including a lock -door policy, to ensure that they stay safe for customers and employees. This is a disappointing, but necessary step.”
The Safok police confirmed that the authorities were called to London Road North on 3 July just before 3.40pm, stating that three people were “wearing Balaklavas and stole a large amount of mobile phones” at Vodafone shop.
The force said: “In Essex, two 16 -year -old boys of South Okendon have been accused of robbery later. They first appeared before the Norwich Magistrate Court on 5 July.
“Police have also accused 22 -year -old Zouveve Zouveh Gooden of Masted Garden in Romford, 22 -year -old Old Park Road in North London and 22 -year -old Zouave Gooden, Romford.
Vodafone said it is working with the government, police and other telecom providers to deal with the “growing issues” of dacoits.
Its statement said: “In recent months, the telecom sector has seen a dangerous growth in aggressive dacoits and has tried dacoits, especially in the southeast of London and England, but has also been affected in other areas including Norfolk and Safok.
“Any violence against our employees and customers is completely unacceptable, and their safety is our number one priority.”
The 34 -year -old life Heva Menthoust said that he was forced to wait before going inside the shop, although he said he understood why the retailers were taking precautions.
34 -year -old Lovestoft told the BBC: “It’s really scary. I think it makes sense [to lock the door] Because there are people working there, they have to take care of themselves. This is their safety and company security. ,
49 -year -old Tony McLeod of Lovestoft said: “It is not good to hear this, but at this day and age, this is what people are being inspired. People are desperate.
“Most gold shops are the same. They will not let the shop go to the shop at the same time, so you will have to wait outside until a customer is over, then you can go in. I think it’s terrible.”
